Optical devices for tilt in camera systems

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate tilt in camera systems, such as tilt of a lens. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, an image sensor disposed below the lens, a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, and a plurality of: (1) vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes and (2) horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. When power is applied, the coil structures can generate magnetic fields that, in the presence of the magnets, cause relative movement of the coil structures and associated structures. The plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to horizontally move the lens. The plurality of horizontal coil structures are configured to tilt the lens when differing electrical power is applied to at least two of the plurality of horizontal coil structures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/915,742, filed Jun. 29, 2020, which is herein incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical devicesand related methods that facilitate tilt in camera systems, such as tiltof a lens.

Description of the Related Art

Cameras are used to take images and/or videos of targets, such aspersons or objects, in a variety of contexts and environments. Imagesand videos taken by the cameras, however, can become unstable or out offocus, such as when the camera is moved or shaken, or when manufacturingresults in camera components that are out of alignment. Cameras cansometimes not sufficiently account for the instability or become out offocus, causing image defects and hindering image quality of the camera.

Components of cameras also may not be able to tilt.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for optical devices and relatedmethods that facilitate tilt and that facilitate optimal imagestabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) of camera systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical devicesand related methods that facilitate tilt in camera systems, such as tiltof a lens. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, an imagesensor disposed below the lens, a plurality of magnets disposed aboutthe lens, and a plurality of: (1) vertical coil structures coiled in oneor more vertical planes and (2) horizontal coil structures coiled in oneor more horizontal planes. When power is applied, the coil structurescan generate magnetic fields that, in the presence of the magnets, causerelative movement of the coil structures and associated structures. Thegenerated magnetic fields attract or repel the magnets, facilitatingrelative movement of the coil structures. The plurality of vertical coilstructures are configured to horizontally move the lens. The pluralityof horizontal coil structures are configured to tilt the lens whendiffering electrical power is applied to at least two of the pluralityof horizontal coil structures. An optical axis of the lens is titledrelative to a vertical axis. The plurality of horizontal coil structurescan also translationally move the lens vertically. The coil structurescan also be used to move/tilt the image sensor. In addition, variousembodiments are directed to arrangements of such coil structures andmagnets, and magnet compositions and designs, to improve efficiency ofthe overall system.

In one implementation, an optical device includes a lens, an imagesensor disposed below the lens, a plurality of magnets disposed aboutthe lens and magnetized horizontally toward the lens to generatemagnetic fields horizontally in horizontal directions toward the lens.The optical device includes a plurality of vertical coil structurescoiled in one or more vertical planes. The optical device includes aplurality of horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontalplanes. The plurality of horizontal coil structures tilt the lens whendiffering electrical power is applied to at least two of the pluralityof horizontal coil structures. Each of the horizontal planes is orientedperpendicularly to the one or more vertical planes.

In one implementation, an optical device includes a lens and an imagesensor disposed below the lens. The optical device also includes aplurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more verticalplanes, and a plurality of horizontal coil structures coiled in one ormore horizontal planes. The plurality of horizontal coil structures tiltthe lens when differing electrical power is applied to at least two ofthe plurality of horizontal coil structures. Each of the horizontalplanes is oriented perpendicularly to the one or more vertical planes.The optical device also includes a plurality of magnets disposed aboutthe lens and magnetized at an oblique angle to generate magnetic fieldsat the oblique angle. The oblique angle is oblique relative to the oneor more horizontal planes of the plurality of horizontal coilstructures.

In one implementation, an optical device includes a lens, an imagesensor disposed below the lens, and a first plurality of magnetsdisposed about the lens and magnetized horizontally toward the lens togenerate magnetic fields horizontally in horizontal directions towardthe lens. The optical device also includes a second plurality of magnetsdisposed about the lens and magnetized horizontally away from the lensto generate magnetic fields horizontally in horizontal directions awayfrom the lens. Each magnet of the second plurality of magnets isdisposed above or below a respective magnet of the first plurality ofmagnets. The optical device also includes a plurality of vertical coilstructures coiled in one or more vertical planes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a device housing a camera,according to disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a top isometric view of a camerasystem, according to disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a bottom isometric view of thecamera system shown in FIG. 2A, according to disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a camera systemincluding an optical device, according to disclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic illustrations of side views of multiple coilarrangements of an optical device of a camera system, according todisclosed embodiments.

FIGS. 5-10 are schematic illustrations of top views of positionings ofpluralities of magnets and pluralities of coils, according to disclosedembodiments.

FIGS. 11-13 are schematic illustrations of side views of multiple coilarrangements of an optical device of a camera system, according todisclosed embodiments.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneembodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments withoutspecific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure.However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited tospecific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of thefollowing features and elements, whether related to differentembodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice thedisclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure mayachieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the priorart, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a givenembodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the followingaspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrativeand are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claimsexcept where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to“the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of anyinventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered tobe an element or limitation of the appended claims except whereexplicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical devicesand related methods that facilitate tilt in camera systems, such as tiltof a lens. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, an imagesensor disposed below the lens, a plurality of magnets disposed aboutthe lens, and a plurality of: (1) vertical coil structures coiled in oneor more vertical planes and (2) horizontal coil structures coiled in oneor more horizontal planes. When power is applied, the coil structurescan generate magnetic fields that, in the presence of the magnets, causerelative movement of the coil structures and associated structures. Thegenerated magnetic fields attract or repel the magnets, facilitatingrelative movement of the coil structures. The plurality of vertical coilstructures are configured to horizontally move the lens. The pluralityof horizontal coil structures are configured to tilt the lens whendiffering electrical power is applied to at least two of the pluralityof horizontal coil structures. An optical axis of the lens is titledrelative to a vertical axis. The plurality of horizontal coil structurescan also translationally move the lens vertically. The coil structurescan also be used to move/tilt the image sensor. In addition, variousembodiments are directed to arrangements of such coil structures andmagnets, and magnet compositions and designs, to improve efficiency ofthe overall system.

The plurality of horizontal coil structures moving the lens verticallyand tilting the lens facilitate autofocus (AF) functions for the camerasystem, facilitate adjusting for misalignment (e.g., non-parallelism)between the lens and the image sensor, and facilitate obtaining a widerangle of view for the lens. The plurality of vertical coil structureshorizontally moving the lens facilitate optical image stabilization(OIS) functions for the camera system.

It is to be understood that relational terms used herein such as“horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “lower”, and “upper” areunderstood to be in relation to the pertinent camera system. As anexample, the camera system may be positioned such that horizontal planesare parallel to gravitational forces and vertical planes areperpendicular to gravitational forces.

The optical devices and camera systems described herein are described aspart of a smartphone device. It is to be understood that aspectsdescribed herein may be used as part of other personal devices, such asother mobile devices (for example tablets) or personal computers (forexample laptops or desktops), or other systems, such as surveillancecamera systems, aviation camera systems, or vehicular camera systems.The present disclosure contemplates that the aspects describe herein maybe used in any camera system.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a device 100 housing a camera 104,according to disclosed embodiments. The device 100 includes a housing102 and a camera 104. The device 100 may include any of a wide range ofdevices, including desktop computers, notebook (e.g., laptop) computers,tablet computers, set-top boxes, telephone handsets such as so-called“smart” phones, so-called “smart” pads, televisions, security cameras,display devices, digital media players, video gaming consoles, videostreaming device, and the like.

The housing 102 may be formed using any materials by joining a first endof a first wall to a first end of a second wall, a second end of asecond wall to a first end of a third wall, a second end of a third wallto a first end of a fourth wall, and a second end of a fourth wall to asecond end of the first wall. Furthermore, the housing 102 may be formedby including a fifth wall and a sixth wall. The sixth wall is joined toa first edge of the first wall, a first edge of the second wall, a firstedge of the third wall, and a first edge of the fourth wall. The fifthwall is joined to a second edge of the first wall, a second edge of thesecond wall, a second edge of the third wall, and a second edge of thefourth wall. The first edge and second edge are on opposite sides ofeach wall. The plurality of walls, the sixth wall, and the fifth wallmay be joined together by any suitable structures such as adhesives,fasteners (for example, screws), joints, or any combination thereof. Itis contemplated that other methods not listed of joining togethermaterials may be applicable.

The housing 102 may house components such as a controller, anon-volatile memory, a power supply, a volatile memory, an interface, abuffer, a printed circuit board, and the like. Furthermore, the housing102 may have a slot for additional memory storage devices, such assingle-level cell memory, multi-level cell memory, triple-level cellmemory, quad-level cell memory, and the like. The housing 102 may alsohave a connection unit to a power source or to transfer data to and fromthe device 100. Each component of the device 100 may be mechanicallyattached to the housing 102 or to another component and may includeelectrically conductive traces that electrically interconnect componentsof the device 100. In one example, the device 100 may be connecteddirectly to a computer server, network attached storage unit, or thelike.

The camera 104 may include any function relating to an opticalinstrument used to record images and/or video. The camera 104 captureslight photons, where the light photons may be in the visible spectrumand/or in other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., theinfrared spectrum). The camera 104 includes a small opening (e.g., anaperture) to let the light in to capture an image on a light-sensitivesurface or substrate (e.g., a photographic film or a digital sensor).The opening may be any shape suitable to let light into the camera 104such as a circular opening. The substrate may include a transitionmetal-halide. In one example, the camera 104 is configured to adjust thesize of the small hole to allow more or less light into the camera 104.The camera 104 may also have a shutter mechanism to determine the amountof time the light-sensitive surface is exposed to the light. In otherembodiments, the images captured by the camera may be stored on a memorystorage device as a series of images over time, (e.g., a video).

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a top isometric view of a camerasystem 200, according to disclosed embodiments. The camera system 200may be used as the camera 104 described in FIG. 1 . The camera system200 includes a frame 202, a lens 204, a magnet housing 208 for aplurality of magnets 206 (four are shown), where each magnet 206 may becoupled to one or more coils, such as an optical image stabilization(OIS) coil and/or an autofocus (AF) coil. Each magnet 206 may be coupledto a top panel 210 and a plurality of wires 212.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a bottom isometric view of thecamera system 200 shown in FIG. 2A, according to disclosed embodiments.The camera system 200 further includes an image sensor 214, a bottompanel 216, an adjustable platform 218, a static platform 220, aplurality of panel arms 222, a base 224, and a plurality of panelstabilizers 226.

The frame 202 of the camera system 200 may be formed by the materialsdescribed in the housing 102 of FIG. 1 . The frame 202 may be part of,integrally formed with, and/or coupled to the housing of FIG. 1 . Thelens 204 may include one more optical lens elements, where light passingthrough the lens 204 is captured at the image sensor 214. The lightpassing through the lens 204 converges to a point on the image sensor214. The image sensor 214 may be situated on the static platform 220 ofthe bottom panel 216 of the base 224. The base 224 may include othercomponents such as circuitry for the function of the various componentsof the camera system 200.

The adjustable platform 218 includes a plurality of panel arms 222 and aplurality of panel stabilizers 226. The plurality of panel arms 222 mayshift or adjust the plurality of magnets 206 as a response to a changein the current passing through the OIS coils and/or the AF coils. Theplurality of panel stabilizers 226 may include any suitable material forvibration dampening. The plurality of wires 212 may connect the toppanel 210 to the bottom panel 216. The top panel 210 and the bottompanel may be constructed from any appropriate material that may allowfor some amount of flex during the operation of the camera system 200.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a camera system 300including an optical device 301, according to disclosed embodiments. Thecamera system 300 may be similar to the device 100 shown in FIG. 1and/or the camera system 200 shown in FIG. 2 , and may include one ormore of the aspects, components, features, and/or properties thereof.The camera system 300 includes a lens 304, a plurality of magnets 302disposed about the lens 304, a plurality of vertical coil structures306, a plurality of horizontal coil structures 308, an image sensor 310,and a base 314. The camera system 300 may be used as the camera system200 shown in FIG. 2 , and the base 314 may be used as the base 224 ofFIG. 2 . In the descriptions herein, vertical coil structures (such asthe vertical coil structures 306) may be referred to as OIS coils andhorizontal coil structures (such as the horizontal coil structures 308)may be referred to as AF coils, for exemplary purposes. The plurality ofOIS coils 306 are oriented along and coiled in one or more verticalplanes (e.g., vertical planes parallel to the y-z plane) and theplurality of AF coils 308 are oriented along and coiled in one or morehorizontal planes (e.g., horizontal planes parallel to the x-y plane).The vertical planes and the horizontal planes are orientedperpendicularly to each other. The image sensor 310 is disposed belowthe lens 304 and the one or more magnets 302 are disposed about thelens.

In FIG. 3 , two magnets 302 are illustrated; however, more than twomagnets, such as any amount of magnets between about two magnets toabout eight magnets (such as four magnets), may be applicable to theembodiments disclosed. Furthermore, two OIS coils 306 and two AF coils308 are illustrated; however, more than two OIS coils, such any amountof OIS coils between about two OIS coils to about eight OIS coils (suchas four OIS coils), and more than two AF coils, such as any amount of AFcoils between about two AF coils to about eight AF coils (such as fourAF coils), may be applicable to the embodiments disclosed.

As light 312 passes through the lens 304 that may include one or morelenses, the light 312 is refracted and converged to a central point 316(e.g., a principal focus) on the image sensor 310. The vertical axis atthe central point 316 may be referred to as the optical axis 318 of theimage sensor 310. Images recorded when the central point 316 of theconverged light 312 intersects the image sensor 310 may generally be ofbetter quality than the images recorded when the central point 316 ofthe converged light 312 does not intersect the image sensor 310.

In order to adjust where the central point 316 of the light 312 islocated, the one or more OIS coils 306 and the one or more AF coils 308are utilized. The lens 304 is attached to a magnetically suspendedstructure 320 (indicated by the dotted lines) that is movable in the x-yplane and/or the z-direction. The magnetically suspended structure 320includes horizontal members 321 coupled between the lens 304 and the OIScoils 306 and vertical members 322 coupled between the OIS coils 306 andthe AF coils 308. In one embodiment, which can combined with otherembodiments, the image sensor 310 is coupled to the base 314, and isreceived in a recess formed in the base 314. In one embodiment, whichcan combined with other embodiments, the image sensor 310 is movablerelative to the base 314.

The movement along the x-y plane and/or the z-direction of themagnetically suspended structure 320, and hence the lens 304 and/or theimage sensor 310, may be used to minimize the shake or vibration of thecamera system 300 during camera operation. The lens 304 may be movedalong the x-y plane utilizing the one or more OIS coils 306, indicatedby the horizontal dashed arrows intersecting the OIS coils 306.Furthermore, the lens 304 may be moved along the z-direction to changethe position of the central point 316 of the light 312 by utilizing theone or more AF coils 308 (indicated by the vertical dashed arrowsintersecting the AF coils 308).

During operation, electric power is applied to the OIS coils 306 and theAF coils 308 to energize the coils and generate magnetic fields. Eachmagnet 302 has a magnetic field traveling from the south pole to thenorth pole of the magnet 302 (indicated by the arrows extending throughthe magnets 302). Based on the magnetic fields generated by either theOIS coils 306, the AF coils 308 or both the OIS coils 306 and the AFcoils 308, the OIS coils 306 and/or the AF coils 308 are eitherattracted or repelled by the magnets 302. Movement of the OIS coils 306and/or the AF coils 308 using the magnets 302 facilitate movement of themagnetically suspended structure 320.

By adjusting the current (e.g., electrical power) traveling througheither the OIS coils 306, the AF coils 308, or both the OIS coils 306and the AF coils 308, the lens 304 may be moved to a position relativeto the image sensor 310 to facilitate OIS and/or AF corrections. Each ofthe plurality of AF coils 308 may have capability to have differingelectrical power, such that one AF coil 308 may move independently ofanother AF coil 308 to generate a lens 304 tilt, such as a tilt of theoptical axis 318 of the lens 304 relative to a vertical axis (e.g., thez-axis). Misalignment (e.g., non-parallelism) between the lens 304 andthe image sensor 310 plane due to camera manufacturing or motion fromthe camera device during operation may be compensated by utilizing alens 304 tilt or shift. Furthermore, the lens may be tilted to achieve awider angle of view for the camera system during device operation.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, theimage sensor 310 may be coupled to the plurality of OIS coils 306 and/orthe plurality of the AF coils 308 using a magnetically suspendedstructure. In one example, the optical device 301 includes secondvertical members 323 coupled between the image sensor 310 and the AFcoils 308 to move the image sensor 310 in a vertical direction (e.g.,parallel to the z-axis) and/or in a horizontal direction (e.g., parallelto the x-y plane). By adjusting the current (e.g., electrical power)traveling through either OIS coils 306, the AF coils 308, or both theOIS coils 306 and the AF coils 308, the image sensor 310 may be moved torealize OIS and/or AF corrections. In the descriptions herein, whereadjustments such as by moving or tilting the lens 304 are described, itis contemplated that such embodiment described may also be applicable tothe image sensor 310. In one embodiment, which can be combined withother embodiments, the AF coils 308 may be used to control horizontalmovement, vertical movement, and/or tilt of the lens 304 independentlyof the OIS coils 306 controlling horizontal movement, vertical movement,and/or tilt of the image sensor 310.

FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic illustrations of side views of multiple coilarrangements 400, 425, 450 of an optical device of a camera system,according to disclosed embodiments. The multiple coil arrangements 400,425, 450 may be used in the device 100, the camera system 200, and/orthe camera system 300 described herein. In the multiple coilarrangements 400, 425, 450, a magnetic field of a magnet 402 of aplurality of magnets is illustrated by the solid arrows traveling from asouth pole S to a north pole N of the magnet 402. Though the multiplecoil arrangements 400, 425, 450 illustrate a single magnet 402, thedisclosed embodiments may reflect on some or all of the plurality ofmagnets of a camera system.

In FIG. 4A, the multiple coil arrangement 400 includes an OIS coil 404and a first AF coil 406 a. The OIS coil 404 is coiled in a verticalplane (in the Z-direction) and disposed adjacent to the magnet 402 andinwardly of an inner surface 411 of the magnet 402. The presentdisclosure contemplates that the OIS coils 404 may be disposed outwardlyof outer surfaces (such as the outer surface 412 described below) of therespective magnets 402. The first AF coil 406 a is coiled in ahorizontal plane (in the X-Y plane) and disposed at least partiallybelow a lower surface 410 of the magnet 402. The first AF coil 406 aincludes a first portion 499 aligned vertically under the magnet 402 anda second portion 498 aligned vertically inwardly of the inner surface411 of the magnet 402. An outward end of the first portion 499 isaligned vertically under a center of the magnet 402. A center of thefirst AF coil 406 a in the x-y plane is aligned vertically under theinner surface 411 of the respective magnet 402 or inwardly of the innersurface 411. Electrical current flows through the first AF coil 406 a ina loop. Hence, the electrical current flows in a direction out of thepage when flowing through the first portion 499 (denoted by a dot), andthe electrical current flows in a direction into the page when flowingthrough the second portion 498 (denoted by an “x”). The dot and xconvention for current flow directions will be used in this and otherfigures. The OIS coil 404 includes a first portion 497 through whichelectrical current flows in a direction out of the page, and a secondportion 496 through which the electrical current flows in a directioninto the page.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, one ofthe first portion 499 or the second portion 498 of the first AF coil 406a is aligned vertically outwardly of an outer surface 412 of the magnet402, and the other of the first portion 499 or the second portion 498 isaligned vertically under the magnet 402. In such an embodiment, thecenter of the first AF coil 406 a is aligned vertically under the outersurface 412 of the respective magnet 402 or is aligned outwardly of theouter surface 412. The positions of the first AF coil 406 a facilitatemagnetic field experienced by the first AF coil 406 a being larger,facilitating efficiency and less electrical power (e.g., current) neededfor the first AF coil 406 a. The positions of the first AF coil 406 afacilitate the first AF coil 406 a experiencing less stray magneticfield and experiencing more direct magnetic field to move (e.g.,vertically), the first AF coil 406 a.

In the multiple coil arrangement 425 shown in FIG. 4B, the multiple coilarrangement 425 includes the OIS coil 404 and a second AF coil 406 b.The first AF coil 406 a may be omitted in the multiple coil arrangement425 shown in FIG. 4B. The second AF coil 406 b is disposed at leastpartially above an upper surface 413 of the magnet 402. The second AFcoil 406 b includes a first portion 495 aligned vertically above themagnet 402 and a second portion 494 aligned inwardly of the innersurface 411 of the magnet 402. An outward end of the first portion 495is aligned vertically above a center of the magnet 402. A center of thesecond AF coil 406 b is aligned vertically above the inner surface 411of the respective magnet 402 or is aligned inwardly of the inner surface411. Electrical current flows through the second AF coil 406 b in aloop. Hence, the electrical current flows in a direction out of the pagewhen flowing through the second portion 494, and the electrical currentflows in a direction into the page when flowing through the firstportion 495.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, one ofthe first portion 495 or the second portion 494 of the second AF coil406 b is aligned vertically outwardly of the outer surface 412 of themagnet 402 and the other of the first portion 495 or the second portion494 is aligned vertically above the magnet 402. In such an embodiment,the center of the second AF coil 406 b is aligned vertically above theouter surface 412 of the respective magnet 402 or is aligned outwardlyof the outer surface 412.

In the multiple coil arrangement 450 shown in FIG. 4C, the multiple coilarrangement 450 includes the OIS coil 404, the first AF coil 406 a shownin FIG. 4A, and the second AF coil 406 b shown in FIG. 4B and disposedat least partially above the first AF coil 406A. The two AF coils 406 a,406 b may operate in unison to move the lens in the z-direction morequickly or along a greater distance than by using only one AF coil, suchas only a first AF coil 406 a or only a second AF coil 406 b.

In the multiple coil arrangements 400, 425, 450, the centers of the AFcoils 406 a, 406 b are aligned with the inner surfaces 411 or the outersurfaces 412 of the respective magnets 402. In the multiple coilarrangements 400, 425, 450, outward ends of the first portions 499, 495of the AF coils 406 a, 406 b are aligned vertically above or verticallybelow the center of the respective magnet 402, which results in a largermagnetic force experienced by the AF coils 406 a, 406 b (as shown by thehigher density of magnetic field lines in the figures in those regions)using the electrical power and the magnets 402. The larger magneticforces experienced by the AF coils 406 a, 406 b facilitate energyefficiency and less electrical power (e.g., current) needed for the AFcoils 406 a, 406 b. The positions of the AF coils 406 a, 406 bfacilitate the AF coils 406 a, 406 b experiencing less stray magneticfield and experiencing more direct magnetic field to move (e.g.,vertically), the AF coils 406 a, 406 b.

The magnet 402 may have one or more AF coils 406 a, 406 b associatedwith the magnet 402, where each AF coil 406 a, 406 b of differentmagnets 402 may operate independently of each other. In one embodiment,which can be combined with other embodiments, the AF coils 406 a, 406 bare located directly beneath and/or above the magnet 402, such thatlittle to no portion of the AF coils 406 a, 406 b is aligned inwardly oroutwardly of the magnet 402. In one example, centers of the AF coils 406a, 406 b are aligned with centers of the magnets 402.

FIGS. 5-10 are schematic illustrations of top views of positionings ofpluralities of magnets and pluralities of coils, according to disclosedembodiments. The locations of pluralities of magnets 520 a-d, 620 a-d,720 a-d, 820 a-d, 920 a-h, 1020 a-c; the locations of pluralities of AFcoils 522 a-d, 622 a-d, 722 a-d, 822 a-d, 922 e-h, 1022 a-c; and thelocations of pluralities of OIS coils 524 a-d, 624 a-d, 724 a-d, 824a-d, 924 a-d, 1024 a-c are intended to show a general area that thecomponent may be within an optical device of a camera system. Variationsin the locations may be applicable in embodiments not specificallyillustrated in FIGS. 5-10 .

Each of AF coils 522 a-d, 622 a-d, 722 a-d, 822 a-d, 922 e-h, 1022 a-cof the FIGS. 5-10 may operate independently of each other, such that oneor more AF coils of an embodiment may have a different electrical powerthan another one or more AF coils of the same embodiment. Thenon-uniform electrical power supplied to the one or more AF coils (e.g.,a different electrical power supplied to at least one, but not all AFcoils) may generate a lens tilt, such that the tilt changes thepositioning of the center point (e.g., principal focus) of a lens awayfrom a center of an image sensor. Misalignment (e.g., non-parallelism)between the lens and the image sensor plane due to camera manufacturingor motion from the camera device during operation may be compensated byutilizing a lens tilt. In one example, an optical axis of the lens tiltsrelative to a vertical axis. The lens also may be tilted to achieve awider angle of view during device operation. The image sensor may alsobe tilted to remedy misalignment or achieve a wider angle of view duringdevice operation due to the coupling of the image sensor to themagnetically suspended structure.

Aspects of FIG. 3 and FIGS. 4A-4C may be similar or may be applicable tothe embodiments discussed in FIGS. 5-10 . For example, the AF coils 522a-d, 622 a-d, 722 a-d, 822 a-d, 922 e-h, 1022 a-c may either bepartially disposed beneath respective adjacent magnets, be partiallydisposed above respective adjacent magnets, or both be partiallydisposed beneath the respective adjacent magnets and be partiallydisposed above the respective adjacent magnets. The magnets are disposedat corners or at sides of a shape, such as a rectangular shape or atriangular shape. Magnets located in a corner may have an octagonalshape (as shown for example in FIG. 5 ), such as a non-regular octagonalshape having a profile in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. Magnetslocated along a side of a shape may have a rectangular shape (as shownfor Example in FIG. 7 ). The previously listed shapes of the magnets arenot intended to be limiting, but to provide an example of possibleembodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic top view of a multiple coil arrangement500 of an optical device, according to disclosed embodiments. Themultiple coil arrangement 500 includes four magnets 520 a-d, four AFcoils 522 a-d, and four OIS coils 524 a-d disposed along a rectangularpattern 590, such as a square pattern. The four magnets 520 a-d arelocated at four corners of the square pattern. The first magnet 520 a islocated in a first location 501, the second magnet 520 b is located in athird location 503, the third magnet 520 c is located in a fifthlocation 505, and the fourth magnet 520 d is located in a seventhlocation 507. In one embodiment, which can be combined with otherembodiments, centers of the four magnets 520 a-d in the x-y plane arealigned with the four respective corners of the rectangular pattern 590.

A lens and/or an image sensor may be tilted when differing electricalpower is applied to at least two of the AF coils of the plurality of AFcoils 522 a-d. When the same electrical power is applied to each of theplurality of AF coils 522 a-d, the lens and/or the image sensor may bevertically moved parallel to the z-axis without tilting the lens and/orthe image sensor. The electrical power (e.g., current) applied to eachAF coil of the plurality of AF coils 522 a-d and each OIS coil of theplurality of OIS coils 524 a-d may be calibrated for various OISpositions, AF positions, and tilt angles.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the AFcoils 522 a-d are disposed at gaps from each other, and the OIS coils524 a-d are disposed at gaps from each other.

The first AF coil 522 a associated with the first magnet 520 a islocated between the first location 501 and a second location 502. Thesecond AF coil 522 b associated with the second magnet 502 b is locatedbetween the third location 503 and the fourth location 504. The third AFcoil 522 c associated with the third magnet 502 c is located between thefifth location 505 and the sixth location 506. The fourth AF coil 522 dassociated with the fourth magnet 520 d is located between the seventhlocation 507 and the eighth location 508.

The first OIS coil 524 a associated with the first magnet 520 a islocated in a second location 502. The second OIS coil 524 b associatedwith the second magnet 520 b is located in a fourth location 504. Thethird OIS coil 524 c associated with the third magnet 520 c is locatedin a sixth location 506. The fourth OIS coil 524 d associated with thefourth magnet 520 d is located in an eighth location 508.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, themagnets and coils located at, inwardly of, outwardly of, or between therespective locations 501-508 are disposed at, inwardly of, outwardly of,or between the respective locations 501-508 such that centers in the x-yplane of the magnets and coils are aligned with, inwardly of, outwardlyof, or between the respective locations 501-508.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, centersof the AF coils 522 a-d in the x-y plane are vertically offset fromcenters of the respective adjacent magnets 520 a-d in the x-y plane.

A surface (such as a lower surface) of each of one or more magnets ofthe plurality of magnets 520 a-d faces a respective AF coil of theplurality of AF coils 522 a-d. The surface of the magnet 520 a-dincludes a first surface area, and the respective AF coil 522 a-dincludes a second surface area facing the surface of the respectivemagnet. The second surface area is a ratio R of the first surface area,and the ratio R is within a range of 0.8 to 1.2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic top view of a multiple coil arrangement600 of an optical device, according to disclosed embodiments. Themultiple coil arrangement 600 includes four magnets 620 a-d, four AFcoils 622 a-d, and four OIS coils 624 a-d disposed along a squarepattern 690. The four magnets 620 a-d are located at the corners of thesquare pattern 690. The first magnet 620 a is located in a secondlocation 602, the second magnet 620 b is located in a fifth location605, the third magnet 620 c is located in an eighth location 608, andthe fourth magnet 620 d is located in an eleventh location 611.

The first AF coil 622 a associated with a first magnet 620 a is locatedat a first location 601 or outwardly of the first location 601. Thesecond AF coil 622 b associated with a second magnet 620 b is located ata fourth location 604 or outwardly of the fourth location 604. The thirdAF coil 622 c associated with a third magnet 620 c is located at aseventh location 607 or outwardly of the seventh location 607. Thefourth AF coil 622 d associated with a fourth magnet 620 d is located ata tenth location 610 or outwardly of the tenth location 610.

The first OIS coil 624 a associated with a first magnet 620 a is locatedin a third location 603. The second OIS coil 624 b associated with asecond magnet 620 b is located in a sixth location 606. The third OIScoil 624 c associated with a third magnet 620 c is located in a ninthlocation 609. The fourth OIS coil 624 d associated with a fourth magnet620 d is located in a twelfth location 612.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic top view of a multiple coil arrangement700 of an optical device, according to disclosed embodiments. Themultiple coil arrangement 700 includes four magnets 720 a-d, four AFcoils 722 a-d, and four OIS coils 724 a-d disposed along a squarepattern 790. The magnets 720 a-d, the AF coils 722 a-d, and the OIScoils 724 a-d are disposed at respective sides of the four sides of thesquare pattern 790. Each side of the square pattern 790 includes amagnet from the four magnets 720 a-d. The first magnet 720 a is locatedin a first location 701, the second magnet 720 b is located in a thirdlocation 703, the third magnet 720 c is located in a fifth location 705,and the fourth magnet 720 d is located in a seventh location 707. In oneembodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, centers of thefour magnets 720 a-d in the x-y plane are aligned with the fourrespective sides of the square pattern 790.

The first AF coil 722 a associated with the first magnet 720 a islocated between the first location 701 and a second location 702. Thesecond AF coil 722 b associated with the second magnet 720 b is locatedbetween the third location 703 and a fourth location 704. The third AFcoil 722 c associated with the third magnet 720 c is located between thefifth location 705 and a sixth location 706. The fourth AF coil 722 dassociated with the fourth magnet 720 d is located between the seventhlocation 707 and an eighth location 708.

The first OIS coil 724 a associated with the first magnet 720 a islocated in the second location 702. The second OIS coil 724 b associatedwith the second magnet 720 b is located in the fourth location 704. Thethird OIS coil 724 c associated with the third magnet 720 c is locatedin the sixth location 706. The fourth OIS coil 724 d associated with thefourth magnet 720 d is located in the eighth location 708.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic top view of a multiple coil arrangement800 of an optical device, according to disclosed embodiments. Themultiple coil arrangement 800 includes four magnets 820 a-d, four AFcoils 822 a-d, and four OIS coils 824 a-d disposed along a squarepattern 890. Each side of the square pattern 890 includes a magnet fromthe four magnets 820 a-d. The first magnet 820 a is located in a secondlocation 802, the second magnet 820 b is located in a fifth location805, the third magnet 820 c is located in an eighth location 808, andthe fourth magnet 820 d is located in an eleventh location 811.

The first AF coil 822 a associated with a first magnet 820 a is locatedat a first location 801 or outwardly of the first location 801. Thesecond AF coil 822 b associated with a second magnet 820 b is located ata fourth location 804 or outwardly of the fourth location 804. The thirdAF coil 822 c associated with a third magnet 820 c is located at aseventh location 807 or outwardly of the seventh location 807. Thefourth AF coil 822 d associated with a fourth magnet 820 d is located ata tenth location 810 or outwardly of the tenth location 810.

The first OIS coil 824 a associated with a first magnet 820 a is locatedin a third location 803. The second OIS coil 824 b associated with asecond magnet 820 b is located in a sixth location 806. The third OIScoil 824 c associated with a third magnet 820 c is located in a ninthlocation 809. The fourth OIS coil 824 d associated with a fourth magnet820 d is located in a twelfth location 812.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic top view of a multiple coil arrangement900 of an optical device, according to disclosed embodiments. Themultiple coil arrangement 900 includes eight magnets 920 a-h, four AFcoils 922 e-h, and four OIS coils 924 a-d disposed along a squarepattern 990. A first plurality of magnets 920 e-h (four are shown) aredisposed at four corners of the square pattern 990. A second pluralityof magnets 920 a-d (four are shown) are disposed at four sides of thesquare pattern 990. A first magnet 920 a is located in a first location901, a second magnet 920 b is located in a third location 903, a thirdmagnet 920 c is located in a fifth location 905, and a fourth magnet 920d is located in a seventh location 907. A fifth magnet 920 e is locatedin a ninth location 909, a sixth magnet 920 f is located in a tenthlocation 910, a seventh magnet 920 g is located in an eleventh location911, and an eighth magnet 920 h is located in a twelfth location 912.The first plurality of magnets 920 e-h are non-regular octagonal inshape and the second plurality of magnets 920 a-d are rectangular inshape.

The second plurality of magnets 920 a-d located on each side of thesquare pattern 990 are magnetized horizontally toward a lens (such asthe lens 304) to generate magnetic fields horizontally in horizontaldirections toward a center of the square pattern 990 and toward thelens. A north pole of each magnet of the plurality of magnets 920 a-dfaces inwardly towards the center (e.g., the lens location) of thesquare pattern 990 and a south pole of each magnet of the plurality ofmagnets 920 a-d faces outwardly away from the center (e.g., the lenslocation) of the square pattern 990. The plurality of magnets 920 e-hlocated on each corner of the square pattern 990 generate magneticfields vertically in vertical directions in the z-direction (e.g., intoor out of the page). In one example, a north pole of each magnet of theplurality of magnets 920 e-h faces in a direction out of the page andthe south pole of each magnet of the plurality of magnets 920 e-h facesin a direction into the page.

The first AF coil 922 e associated with a fifth magnet 920 e is locatedin the ninth location 909 or inwardly of the ninth location 909. Thesecond AF coil 922 f associated with a sixth magnet 920 f is located inthe tenth location 910 or inwardly of the tenth location 910. The thirdAF coil 922 g associated with a seventh magnet 920 g is located in theeleventh location 911 or inwardly of the eleventh location 911. Thefourth AF coil 922 h associated with an eighth magnet 920 h is locatedin the twelfth location 912 or inwardly of the twelfth location 912.

The first OIS coil 924 a associated with a first magnet 920 a is locatedin a second location 902. The second OIS coil 924 b associated with asecond magnet 902 b is located in a fourth location 904. The third OIScoil 924 c associated with a third magnet 920 c is located in a sixthlocation 906. The fourth OIS coil 924 d associated with a fourth magnet920 d is located in an eighth location 908.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, thefirst plurality of magnets 920 e-h are associated with vertically movingand/or tilting the lens, and the second plurality of magnets 920 a-d areassociated with horizontally moving the lens.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the AFcoils 922 e-h are aligned entirely under respective magnets of the firstplurality of magnets 920 e-h. In one embodiment, which can be combinedwith other embodiments, each AF coil of the AF coils 922 e-h is alignedbetween an inner surface and an outer surface of a respective magnet ofthe first plurality of magnets 920 e-h. In one example, centers of theAF coils 922 e-h in the x-y plane are aligned vertically under centersof respective magnets of the first plurality of magnets 920 e-h in thex-y plane. In one example, a center of each AF coil of the AF coils 922e-h in the x-y plane is aligned between an inner surface and an outersurface of each respective magnet of the first plurality of magnets 920e-h in the x-y plane. Magnetizations of the first plurality of magnets920 e-h being oriented vertically in vertical directions facilitatesaligning each AF coil of the AF coils 922 e-h between an inner surfaceand an outer surface of a respective magnet of the first plurality ofmagnets 920 e-h.

By including separate magnets for each of the plurality of AF coils 922e-h and for each of the plurality of OIS coils 924 a-d, the edges andcorners of the square pattern are more fully utilized, facilitatingcompactness of optical devices and camera systems. Space within thesquare pattern 990 is also saved as each of the plurality of AF coils922 e-h are located either underneath, above, or both underneath andabove the plurality of magnets 920 e-h associated with each of theplurality of AF coils 922 e-h. Furthermore, the magnetic field may bemaximized for both the plurality of AF coils 922 e-h and the pluralityof OIS coils 924 a-d, such that each coil 922 e-h is associated with anindividual magnet of the plurality of magnets 920 a-h. By maximizing themagnetic field applied to each of the plurality of OIS coils 924 a-d andthe plurality of AF coils 922 e-h, power may be saved.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic top view of a multiple coil arrangement1000 of an optical device, according to disclosed embodiments. Themultiple coil arrangement 1000 includes three magnets 1020 a-c, three AFcoils 1022 a-c, and three OIS coils 1024 a-c is disposed along atriangular pattern 1090. Each corner of the triangular pattern 1090includes a magnet from the three magnets 1020 a-c disposed at therespective corner. A first magnet 1020 a is located in a first location1001, a second magnet 1020 b is located in a third location 1003, and athird magnet 1020 c is located in a fifth location 1005. The magnets1020 a-c, the AF coils 1022 a-c, and the OIS coils 1024 a-c are orientedtoward a center of the triangular pattern 1090. In one embodiment, whichcan be combined with other embodiments, centers of the three magnets1020 a-c in the x-y plane are aligned with the three respective cornersof the triangular pattern 1090.

The first AF coil 1022 a associated with the first magnet 1020 a islocated between the first location 1001 and a second location 1002. Thesecond AF coil 1022 b associated with the second magnet 1020 b islocated between the third location 1003 and a fourth location 1004. Thethird AF coil 1022 c associated with the third magnet 1020 c is locatedbetween the fifth location 1005 and a sixth location 1006.

The first OIS coil 1024 a associated with the first magnet 1020 a islocated in the second location 1002. The second OIS coil 1024 bassociated with the second magnet 1020 b is located in the fourthlocation 1004. The third OIS coil 1024 c associated with a third magnet1020 c is located in the sixth location 1006. The aspects shown in FIG.10 facilitate OIS functions and AF functions, and facilitate spacesavings, cost savings, and compactness of designs by using less coilsand less magnets.

FIGS. 11-13 are schematic illustrations of side views of multiple coilarrangements 1100, 1200, 1300 of an optical device of a camera system,according to disclosed embodiments. Each magnet apparatus of themultiple coil arrangements 1100, 1200, 1300 may include two or moremagnets coupled together. In one example of a multiple coil arrangementof a camera system including a single magnet for each magnet apparatus,a magnetic field generated points inwardly towards a center of a lens,such that the north pole of the magnet is faces inward towards the lensand the south pole of the magnet faces outwards away from the lens. Inone example, the north pole of the magnet faces inward towards the lensat an angle relative to the horizontal plane (as shown in FIG. 11 ), andthe south pole of the magnet faces outwards away from the lens at 180°opposite of the north pole. The angle is about 90° from the horizontalplane (as shown in FIG. 12 ) or is an oblique angle that is about 45°from the horizontal plane (as shown in FIG. 11 ). The listed angles arenot intended to be limiting, but to provide examples of possibleembodiments.

In a multiple coil arrangement including a first magnet coupled to asecond magnet, the first magnet may have a magnetic field generated thatis antiparallel to the magnetic field generated by the second magnet. Inone example, the first magnet may have a magnetic field generated thatis perpendicular to the magnetic field generated by the second magnet.

The multiple coil arrangement 1100 shown in FIG. 11 illustrates a firstmagnet 1102 with a magnetic field 1110 pointing at an oblique angleabout 45° below and relative to the horizontal plane (e.g., the x-yplane). An OIS coil 1104 is located inwardly of the first magnet 1102and parallel to a vertical plane (e.g., the y-z plane). An AF coil 1106is disposed below the first magnet 1102 and parallel to the horizontalplane. The first magnet 1102 is magnetized horizontally inwardly towardthe lens and toward the OIS coil 1104. The first magnet 1102 is alsomagnetized vertically (e.g., downwardly) toward the image sensor andtoward the AF coil 1106.

The magnetic field of the OIS coil 1104 and magnetic field of the AFcoil 1106 may be close to identical as the polarization of the magneticfield 1110 of the magnet 1102 is at about a 45° angle below thehorizontal plane. By having the magnetic field 1110 at the previouslyreferenced angle, the coil design of both the OIS coil 1104 and the AFcoil 1106 may be similar (e.g., the same number of turns), facilitatingsimpler configurations. The magnetic fields experienced by the OIS coils1104 and the AF coils 1106 are about the same, facilitating lower powerconsumption as power consumption is proportional to the square ofcurrent. Furthermore, space in the camera system may be saved as the AFcoil 1106 is located underneath the magnet 1102.

In the multiple coil arrangement 1200 shown in FIG. 12 , a first magnet1202 a with a magnetic field 1210 pointing in a horizontal direction(e.g., inwardly and toward the lens) and a second magnet 1202 b with amagnetic field 1211 pointing in a vertical direction (e.g., downwardlyand toward the image sensor). A north pole of the first magnet 1202 afaces inwardly toward the lens and a south pole of the first magnet 1202a faces outwardly away from the lens. A north pole of the second magnet1202 b faces downwardly (e.g., parallel to a direction from the lens andtoward the image sensor) and a south pole of the second magnet 1202 bfaces upwardly (e.g., parallel to a direction from the image sensor andtoward the lens). The magnetic field 1210 of the first magnet 1202 a isperpendicular to the magnetic field 1211 of the second magnet 1202 b. AnOIS coil 1204 is located parallel to the vertical plane of the firstmagnet 1202 a. An AF coil 1206 is located parallel to the horizontalplane of the second magnet 1202 b. By having a dedicated second magnet1202 b acting on the AF coil 1206, the magnetic field experienced by theAF coil 1206 is larger, facilitating efficiency and less electricalpower (e.g., current) needed for the AF coils. Thus, the amount ofcurrent needed to adjust the AF coil 1206 is reduced.

In the multiple coil arrangement shown in FIG. 13 , a first magnet 1302a with a magnetic field 1310 pointing in the horizontal direction and asecond magnet 1302 b with a magnetic field 1311 pointing to the oppositehorizontal direction. A magnetization of the first magnet 1302 a isantiparallel to a magnetization of the second magnet 1302 b. Themagnetic field 1310 of the first magnet 1302 a is antiparallel to themagnetic field 1311 of the second magnet 1302 b. An AF coil 1304 islocated parallel to the vertical plane of both the first magnet 1302 aand the second magnet 1302 b. The antiparallel magnetic fields 1310,1311 of the first magnet 1302 a and the second magnet 1302 b changes theAF coil 1304 force direction by 90°. By changing the AF coil 1304 forcedirection by 90°, the AF coil 1304 is able to move in the z-directionsuch that the AF coil 1304 is used to move a lens or an image sensorvertically in the z-direction. In one embodiment, which can be combinedwith other embodiments, the second magnet 1302 b is disposed in contactwith the first magnet 1302 a. In one example, the second magnet 1302 bis coupled to the first magnet 1302 a.

Though the multiple coil arrangements 1100, 1200, 1300 illustrate asingle magnet 1102, a single pair of magnets 1202 a, 1202 b, and asingle pair of magnets 1302 a, 1302 b, the disclosed embodiments mayreflect on some or all of the plurality of magnets or the plurality ofpairs of magnets of a camera system.

Benefits of the present disclosure include utilizing a plurality ofmagnets and a plurality of AF coils to achieve more specialized lensconfigurations that facilitate tilt and that facilitate optimal imagestabilization (OIS) and autofocus (AF) of camera systems. By usingmagnetic field directions described herein for magnets or by havingdedicated magnets for each of the plurality of AF coils and/or theplurality of OIS coils, power and space within the optical device andcamera system may be saved. Furthermore, by adjusting the currents ofthe AF coils individually, a lens tilt is achieved. The lens tilt mayremedy misalignment between the lens and the image sensor plane as wellas achieve a wider angle of view during device operation.

It is contemplated that one or more aspects disclosed herein may becombined. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or more aspectsdisclosed herein may include some or all of the aforementioned benefits.As an example, the present disclosure contemplates that one or more ofthe aspects, features, components, and/or properties of the lens 304,the optical device 301, the image sensor 310, the multiple coilarrangements 400, 425, 450, the multiple coil arrangements 500-1000,and/or the multiple coil arrangements 1100-1300 may be combined.

In one embodiment, an optical device comprises a lens, an image sensordisposed below the lens, a plurality of magnets disposed about the lensand magnetized horizontally toward the lens to generate magnetic fieldshorizontally in horizontal directions toward the lens. The opticaldevice includes a plurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one ormore vertical planes. The optical device includes a plurality ofhorizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. Theplurality of horizontal coil structures tilt the lens when differingelectrical power is applied to at least two of the plurality ofhorizontal coil structures. Each of the horizontal planes is orientedperpendicularly to the one or more vertical planes. A north pole of eachmagnet of the plurality of magnets faces inwardly toward the lens, and asouth pole of each magnet of the plurality of magnets faces outwardlyaway from the lens. In one example, the optical device also includes asecond plurality of magnets disposed above or below the plurality ofmagnets, and the second plurality of magnets are magnetized verticallyto generate magnetic fields vertically in vertical directions toward theplurality of horizontal coil structures. In one example, each horizontalcoil structure of the plurality of horizontal coil structures isdisposed at least partially below a lower surface of a respective magnetof the plurality of magnets. In one example, the optical device alsoincludes a second plurality of horizontal coil structures coiled in oneor more second horizontal planes, and each second horizontal coilstructure of the second plurality of horizontal coil structures isdisposed at least partially above an upper surface of the respectivemagnet of the plurality of magnets.

Each vertical coil structure of the plurality of vertical coilstructures is disposed inwardly of an inner surface of a respectivemagnet of the plurality of magnets, or disposed outwardly of an outersurface of the respective magnet of the plurality of magnets. Theplurality of magnets are disposed at corners of a pattern or at sides ofthe pattern. The pattern is a square pattern or a triangular pattern. Asurface of each magnet of the plurality of magnets faces a respectivehorizontal coil structure of the plurality of horizontal coilstructures, the surface of each magnet includes a first surface area,and the respective horizontal coil structure includes a second surfacearea facing the surface of the magnet. The second surface area is aratio of the first surface area, and the ratio is within a range of 0.8to 1.2. A camera system including the optical device is also disclosed.

In one embodiment, an optical device comprises a lens and an imagesensor disposed below the lens. The optical device also includes aplurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more verticalplanes, and a plurality of horizontal coil structures coiled in one ormore horizontal planes. The plurality of horizontal coil structures tiltthe lens when differing electrical power is applied to at least two ofthe plurality of horizontal coil structures. Each of the horizontalplanes is oriented perpendicularly to the one or more vertical planes.The optical device also includes a plurality of magnets disposed aboutthe lens and magnetized at an oblique angle to generate magnetic fieldsat the oblique angle. The oblique angle is oblique relative to the oneor more horizontal planes of the plurality of horizontal coilstructures. The oblique angle is 45 degrees. In one example, eachrespective horizontal coil structure of the plurality of horizontal coilstructures is disposed at least partially below a lower surface of arespective magnet of the plurality of magnets. In one example, eachrespective vertical coil structure of the plurality of vertical coilstructures is disposed inwardly of an inner surface of a respectivemagnet of the plurality of magnets. In one example, each magnet of theplurality of magnets magnetized at the oblique angle is magnetizedinwardly toward the respective vertical coil structure and downwardlytoward the respective horizontal coil structure. A camera systemincluding the optical device is also disclosed.

In one embodiment, an optical device comprises a lens, an image sensordisposed below the lens, and a first plurality of magnets disposed aboutthe lens and magnetized horizontally toward the lens to generatemagnetic fields horizontally in horizontal directions toward the lens.The optical device also includes a second plurality of magnets disposedabout the lens and magnetized horizontally away from the lens togenerate magnetic fields horizontally in horizontal directions away fromthe lens. Each magnet of the second plurality of magnets is disposedabove or below a respective magnet of the first plurality of magnets.The optical device also includes a plurality of vertical coil structurescoiled in one or more vertical planes. In one example, each verticalcoil structure of the plurality of vertical coil structures is disposedinwardly of an inner surface of a respective magnet of the firstplurality of magnets and inwardly of an inner surface of a respectivemagnet of the second plurality of magnets. In one example, each verticalcoil structure of the plurality of vertical coil structures is disposedoutwardly of an outer surface of a respective magnet of the firstplurality of magnets and outwardly of an outer surface of a respectivemagnet of the second plurality of magnets. Each magnet of the secondplurality of magnets is coupled to a respective magnet of the firstplurality of magnets. A camera system including the optical device isalso disclosed.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may bedevised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scopethereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical device, comprising: a base defining anX-Y plane extending parallel to the base and a Z-axis extendingperpendicular to the X-Y plane; a lens; an image sensor disposed belowthe lens along the Z-axis; a plurality of magnets disposed about thelens, each magnet having an inside surface and an outside surface; aplurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more verticalplanes extending parallel to the Z-axis; and a plurality of horizontalcoil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes to tilt the lensrelative to the X-Y plane when differing electrical power is applied toat least two of the plurality of horizontal coil structures, each of thehorizontal planes oriented perpendicular to the one or more verticalplanes, wherein each horizontal coil structure is disposed either aboveor under the plurality of magnets, and wherein each horizontal coilstructure has a center that is vertically aligned with either the insidesurface or the outside surface.
 2. The optical device of claim 1,wherein the plurality of magnets comprises four magnets disposed atcorners of a rectangular pattern of the optical device.
 3. The opticaldevice of claim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structuresare vertically aligned with the inside surface.
 4. The optical device ofclaim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structures arevertically aligned with the outside surface.
 5. The optical device ofclaim 2, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structures aredisposed under the plurality of magnets.
 6. The optical device of claim1, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises four magnets disposed atsides of a rectangular pattern of the optical device.
 7. The opticaldevice of claim 6, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structuresare vertically aligned with the inside surface.
 8. The optical device ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structures arevertically aligned with the outside surface.
 9. The optical device ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structures aredisposed under the plurality of magnets.
 10. The optical device of claim1, wherein plurality of magnets comprises three magnets disposed atcorners of a triangular pattern of the optical device.
 11. The opticaldevice of claim 10, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structuresare vertically aligned with the inside surface.
 12. The optical deviceof claim 11, wherein the plurality of horizontal coil structures aredisposed under the plurality of magnets.
 13. A camera system comprisingthe optical device of claim
 1. 14. An optical device, comprising: a basedefining an X-Y plane extending parallel to the base and a Z-axisextending perpendicular to the X-Y plane; a lens; an image sensordisposed below the lens along the Z-axis; a plurality of magnetsdisposed about the lens, each magnet having an inside surface and anoutside surface; a plurality of vertical coil structures coiled in oneor more vertical planes extending parallel to the Z-axis, wherein eachvertical coil structure of the plurality of vertical coil structures hasa corresponding magnet of the plurality of magnets; and a plurality ofhorizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes totilt the lens relative to the X-Y plane when differing electrical poweris applied to at least two of the plurality of horizontal coilstructures, each of the horizontal planes oriented perpendicular to theone or more vertical planes, wherein each horizontal coil structure ofthe plurality of horizontal coil structures has a corresponding magnetof the plurality of magnets.
 15. The optical device of claim 14, whereinthe plurality of magnets comprises four first magnets disposed atcorners of a rectangular pattern of the optical device.
 16. The opticaldevice of claim 15, wherein the plurality of magnets comprises foursecond magnets disposed at sides of the rectangular pattern of theoptical device.
 17. The optical device of claim 16, wherein acorresponding vertical coil structure is disposed adjacent the insidesurface of each second magnet.
 18. The optical device of claim 17,wherein a corresponding horizontal coil structure is disposed adjacenteach first magnet.
 19. The optical device of claim 18, wherein eachhorizontal coil structure is disposed below a corresponding firstmagnet.
 20. The optical device of claim 19, wherein a north pole of eachsecond magnet faces inwardly toward the lens and a south pole of eachsecond magnet faces outwardly away from the lens.